AAP delegation submits memo to South SP, seeks crackdown on campus drug menace
Aam Aadmi Party delegation led by Party Velim MLA Cruz Silva submitting a memorandum to South Goa SP, Tikam Singh Verma on the BITS Pilani student’s death.
MARGAO
The Aam Aadmi Party on Friday urged the South Goa district Superintendent of Police, Tikam Singh Verma to order a crackdown on drug menace in colleges post-BITS Pilani student’s death.
Led by AAP MLA Cruz Silva, the delegation of AAP leaders called on the district police chief and submitted a memorandum, calling for black spot mapping and strict action against drug peddling.
Saying that the BITS Pilani student’s death exposes the dark reality of drugs in colleges, the Velim MLA said if drug menace continues it will destroy lives of Goan youth. He further demanded installation of CCTV cameras at drug hideouts to curb peddling.
Voicing grave concern over the situation, the MLA warned that drug abuse is destroying the lives of Goan youth. The meeting came in the wake of the shocking death of a student on September 4 at BITS Pilani Goa campus, the fifth death in just one year, where the post-mortem confirmed the presence of multiple drugs.
“If this menace continues, our students will lose their future. The government is inviting more private institutes to Goa, but the current environment is not conducive for students. Drugs have entered colleges, and even those who never touched drugs are falling into it due to peer pressure. Parents are scared whether to keep their children in hostels. Strict action is needed to save our youth,” Silva said, assuring AAP’s full support to tackle the issue.
He further highlighted that e-cigarettes were already making their way into schools. “Teachers are aware, and shops in Margao are openly selling them to students. Drug spots are also operating in villages. We have asked South Goa SP to identify such black spots and take strict action,” he added.
AAP Vice President Roque Mascarenhas stressed that drug consumption and peddling were rampant in Curtorim constituency. “Such activities are disturbing peace in neighbourhoods. Wherever hideouts exist, CCTV cameras must be installed to stop these activities,” he said.
